Al Qaeda's chilling message to the world

Al Qaeda's warning of more attacks on Britain could soon become a reality, a terrorism expert warned yesterday.

In a videotape broadcast on al-Jazeera television yesterday, four weeks after the July 7 suicide bombings, al Qaeda deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahiri warned Britain to expect a sustained campaign of terror.

Terrorism analyst Magnus Ranstorp said such a message from an al Qaeda kingpin would provoke worry in the security services "because within a few weeks there's usually some type of action".

"When he appears, something usually happens. Combined with the current environment, that does not bode well," said Mr Ranstorp, director of the centre for the study of terrorism and political violence at the University of St Andrews, in Scotland.

A fugitive with a US$25 million ($36 million) price on his head, Zawahiri hinted that the attacks were the work of al Qaeda.

"We exploded volcanoes of anger in your countries," he said.

"To the British, I am telling you that Blair brought you destruction in the middle of London and more will come, God willing."

As the tape was broadcast, 6000 police officers fanned out across London, after worries that the four weeks since the suicide attacks would be marked by fresh atrocities.

At times crowing, at others more conciliatory, Zawahiri provided the fullest account of al Qaeda policy in months. Nothing has been heard from the organisation's leader, Osama bin Laden, since a video message last November.

Although Zawahiri did not refer directly to the London bombings, his words suggested that al Qaeda, or an affiliate, was responsible for the attacks that killed 56 people, including the four bombers.

Zawahiri, who is believed by some to be as influential in al Qaeda as bin Laden, repeatedly pointed at the camera during the broadcast. Behind him an assault rifle with a grenade launcher was propped against a wall.

He said: "Our message is clear - what you saw in New York and Washington [on September 11] and what you are seeing in Afghanistan and Iraq, all these are nothing compared to what you will see next. If you go on with the same policy of aggression against Muslims, you will see, with God's will, something that will make you forget the horrible things that you saw in Vietnam."

Zawahiri urged the United States to "stop stealing our oil and wealth and stop supporting corrupt rulers".

Referring to the US, Britain and the other nations involved in the invasion of Iraq, he said: "Hasn't Sheikh Osama bin Laden told you that you will not dream of security before there is security in Palestine and before all the infidel armies withdraw from the land of Mohammed [Saudi Arabia]?

"Instead, you spilled rivers of blood in our countries and we exploded volcanoes of anger in your countries."

In his previous tape, Zawahiri was particularly critical of Egypt. Last month a triple bombing in Egypt killed at least 64, although it is unclear if al Qaeda was responsible.

President George W. Bush said he would not be deterred by the threats and would "stay on the offensive against these people".

"People like Zawahiri have a ideology that is dark, dim, backwards."

Britain's shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, said: "We know the British people will treat this with the contempt it deserves and that they will continue to show the resilience and courage that has been so impressive since the atrocities in London four weeks ago."

Australian Prime Minister John Howard reiterated that countries could not give in to terror. "People who imagine you can buy some peace from the terrorists by pulling out of Iraq are totally deluded.

"The next country that you would be asked to pull out of would be Afghanistan; the next thing you'd be asked to do is compromise on other policy, compromise on the security of Israel, and so the process goes on."

AYMAN AL-ZAWAHIRI

Egyptian, formerly an eye surgeon.

Credited with being the "mastermind" behind the September 11 attacks on the US.

Has been sentenced to death in Egypt - in absentia.

Has a US$25 million price on his head.

Thought to have lived in Denmark and Switzerland on a fake passport during the 1990s.

Last confirmed sighting was in Afghanistan, more than four years ago.

Zawahiri's wife and children were reportedly killed in a US air strike in Afghanistan in 2001. Expert warns that extremists' threats are normally followed by actions

- Agencies